Tempe Diablos hosts annual salute to outstanding public education
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
The Tempe Diablos recognized outstanding educators serving the Tempe, Ahwatukee and Chandler communities during the 34th annual Excellence in Education Awards.
Teachers, leaders, and administrators from three Tempe school districts were honored across seven categories including Rising Star, Lifetime Achievement, and Teacher of the Year, along with monetary contributions that totaled more than $30,000, representatives of the Tempe Diablos say.
“The Tempe Diablos were thrilled to host the Excellence in Education event,” said Rob Personale, event chair. “These outstanding educators help shape our future through the students they impact, and we are honored to celebrate their important work during Teacher Appreciation Week.”
A total of 21 educators received recognition and awards from the Tempe Diablos, including:
Teacher of the Year
Ellen Miller, Tempe Elementary School District
Jason Rethman, Kyrene School District
Max Pincus, Tempe Union High School District
Lifetime Achievement
Cindy Denton, Tempe Elementary School District
Marianne Lescher, Kyrene School District
Erin Kahn, Tempe Union High School District
Leadership
Trish Geraghty, Tempe Elementary School District
Kinora Hernandez, Kyrene School District
Mayra Arroyo, Tempe Union High School District
High Impact
Cher Bingham Cooper, Tempe Elementary School District
Taylor Murphy, Kyrene School District
Charlie Molina, Tempe Union High School District
Inspiration
Danielle Sullivan, Tempe Elementary School District
Eva Pechous, Kyrene School District
Katie Chance, Tempe Union High School District
Rising Star
Courtney Clarke, Tempe Elementary School District
Tasia Geotas, Kyrene School District
Elizabeth Matuszewski, Tempe Union High School District
Class Act
Carlos Cruz, Tempe Elementary School District
Gisela Briscoe, Kyrene School District
Kenya Villela, Tempe Union High School District
Additionally, the Tempe Diablos awarded approximately $240,000 for 30 scholarships to seniors who will be attending either Arizona State University or Maricopa County Community College.
Of Note: presenters include Arizona Coyotes President Xavier Gutierrez, who presented the Lifetime Achievement Award. Teacher of the Year award was presented by Washington Covena from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
